Shock absorbers

RM955I · Feb 28th, 2016, 16:46

At 118k I'm sure my shocks will be knackered despite just passing an MOT.

So, the big question: Volvo, Sachs (which I think are the makers of the Volvo item) or Bilstein B4....or others.

I am not looking for sporty handling - a good controlled but compliant ride is what I'm after.

Thanks

pacman67 · Feb 28th, 2016, 18:06

I'm in the same position, although at 72k but car came with tow bar, so I suspect a tow car. I'm thinking between the bilstein B4 and the Monroe reflex. I know the Monroe is supposed to give a more dynamic drive, where the blistein is described as giving the, as new drive, so not sure if it would up rate the handling.

Model flyer · Feb 28th, 2016, 20:09

As you are obviously aware the shocks can be good enough for the most man but still shot. The shocks on my 2007 gen 3 V70 seemed fine with the bounce test etc. Then an irritating little rattle started . It was eventually traced to the front shocks. I replaced then with standard OE spec ,I believe Sachs. I couldn't believe the difference in the ride. The car felt like new again. Well worth doing.

mhon72 · Feb 28th, 2016, 22:19

In a similar scenario at the moment.
Had been deliberating over the B4/Monroe Reflex debate too.
Went as far as ordering a set at a blindingly good price on Amazon but was shocked (pun intended!) at how poorly the shocks were packaged in their original boxes from the factory.
Reading further online the consensus seems the Monroes are not as well made as the Bilsteins.
Now debating whether to splash out and upgrade to B6.

ExCee70 · Mar 8th, 2016, 20:14

Where is the best source of Bilstein in the UK?

Just looked at http://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/ and they don't list anything for MY12 XC70

macs · Mar 8th, 2016, 22:02

Got mine from here:
http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/...oducts_id=7756

martinDZH · Mar 9th, 2016, 09:46

You're all lucky not having Nivomats

I bought four new shocks for my V70 and later found out that I have Nivomats. I'm sending them back today

ExCee70 · Mar 9th, 2016, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by macs

Got mine from here:
http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/...oducts_id=7756

Ta but nothing listed for the XC, will call them the morra.

craig1992 · Mar 16th, 2016, 16:29

Is it true you can just swap the nivomat shocks with standard ones and only have to replace the top mount? Unsure where I heard this or if it's actually works. Can anyone enlighten me and Martin?

RM955I · Mar 30th, 2016, 21:07

Just revisiting this....and was wondering whether anyone can recommend a specific spring compressor as it seems that some don't actually fit, being too long. If anyone can recommend a particular make/item number that would be really helpful.

Feb 28th, 2016, 16:46	#1
RM955I Premier Member Last Online: Jun 26th, 2022 23:42 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Midlands	Shock absorbers At 118k I'm sure my shocks will be knackered despite just passing an MOT. So, the big question: Volvo, Sachs (which I think are the makers of the Volvo item) or Bilstein B4....or others. I am not looking for sporty handling - a good controlled but compliant ride is what I'm after. Thanks __________________ D5, 205 Phase 3 V70...love the grunt. Previous: 2004 (2005 facelift) 2.4 170

Feb 28th, 2016, 18:06	#2
pacman67 VOC Member Last Online: Dec 6th, 2023 14:09 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Richmond N Yorks	I'm in the same position, although at 72k but car came with tow bar, so I suspect a tow car. I'm thinking between the bilstein B4 and the Monroe reflex. I know the Monroe is supposed to give a more dynamic drive, where the blistein is described as giving the, as new drive, so not sure if it would up rate the handling. __________________ Regards, pacman67 previously held: V40 TD & S40 2ltr P1,V40 P2 sport lux, V70 XC P1, XC70 P2, V70 D5 P2 and P3, V40 T4,V70R, C30 R Design. currently held: V70 P3 D5 SE LUX, XC90 MK2 Inscription Pro.

Feb 28th, 2016, 20:09	#3
Model flyer Master Member Last Online: Dec 15th, 2023 18:46 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent,pothole capital of UK.	As you are obviously aware the shocks can be good enough for the most man but still shot. The shocks on my 2007 gen 3 V70 seemed fine with the bounce test etc. Then an irritating little rattle started . It was eventually traced to the front shocks. I replaced then with standard OE spec ,I believe Sachs. I couldn't believe the difference in the ride. The car felt like new again. Well worth doing. __________________ The secret of flight is to aim at the ground and miss ! Previous Volvos 740 GLE . V40 CD ,V70 2.4 SE LPT.V70 D5 P2. V70 D5 Se Lux P3. Current Jaguar XF Sportbrake but still like Volvos

Feb 28th, 2016, 22:19	#4
mhon72 Master Member Last Online: Feb 17th, 2024 12:34 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Clevedon View Photos By: mhon72	In a similar scenario at the moment. Had been deliberating over the B4/Monroe Reflex debate too. Went as far as ordering a set at a blindingly good price on Amazon but was shocked (pun intended!) at how poorly the shocks were packaged in their original boxes from the factory. Reading further online the consensus seems the Monroes are not as well made as the Bilsteins. Now debating whether to splash out and upgrade to B6. __________________ 2015 XC70 D4 AWD SE Lux

Mar 8th, 2016, 22:02	#6
macs Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:41 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Swindon	Got mine from here: http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/...oducts_id=7756 __________________ 2009 V70 D5 SE Lux (manual) 308k miles 2018 S60 D4 R-Design Nav Lux (auto)

Mar 8th, 2016, 20:14	#5
ExCee70 VOC Member Last Online: May 31st, 2024 08:14 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Winsford, Cheshire	Where is the best source of Bilstein in the UK? Just looked at http://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/ and they don't list anything for MY12 XC70

Mar 9th, 2016, 09:46	#7
martinDZH Junior Member Last Online: Feb 28th, 2024 18:34 Join Date: May 2006 Location: london	You're all lucky not having Nivomats I bought four new shocks for my V70 and later found out that I have Nivomats. I'm sending them back today

Mar 16th, 2016, 16:29	#9
craig1992 Junior Member Last Online: Aug 13th, 2016 15:38 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: nottingham	Is it true you can just swap the nivomat shocks with standard ones and only have to replace the top mount? Unsure where I heard this or if it's actually works. Can anyone enlighten me and Martin?

Mar 30th, 2016, 21:07	#10
RM955I Premier Member Last Online: Jun 26th, 2022 23:42 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Midlands	Just revisiting this....and was wondering whether anyone can recommend a specific spring compressor as it seems that some don't actually fit, being too long. If anyone can recommend a particular make/item number that would be really helpful. __________________ D5, 205 Phase 3 V70...love the grunt. Previous: 2004 (2005 facelift) 2.4 170

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)